Cable argues against interfering with newsgathering and public information

Ever-concerned that the FCC will find yet another new way to regulate some portion of its industry, the NCTA has answered the Commission's Future of Media inquiry by saying the industry is doing just fine right now and doesn't need any outside help.

The FCC had sought input on what (if anything) needs to be done to address the impact of the Internet and economy on newsgathering and public information dissemination. The NCTA said nothing is needed and that there are plenty of ways to keep viewers informed.

A statement from the NCTA members assured the Commission that "many of the challenges encountered in today's media environment" will be addressed by private and non-profit sectors and that the government can go back to thinking about other things.

"We appreciate that the Public Notice makes clear that the 'starting point is the First Amendment,'" said the cable operators, "and that many of the challenges encountered in today's media environment will be addressed by the private for-profit and non-profit sectors, without government intervention."

For what it's worth, even the FCC agreed that any review of the news media needed to be performed with "great sensitivity."

For more:- see this story - and Julius Genachowski's remarks at NAB 2010